10 of the Most Tough SUV’s for 2014

4. Toyota 4Runner

Lately, Toyota has been taunting Nissan and its Pathfinder, bragging that the 4Runner is still a “real” SUV. Unfortunately for Pathfinder fans, Toyota is right. While the Pathfinder has been turned into a crossover grocery-getter, the 4Runner has stayed true to its truck roots (even though a fair amount of 4Runners are still used as “rugged” grocery-getters). The vehicle has a body-on-frame architecture, a suspension that allows for plenty of travel, underbody plates, a four-wheel drive system with low gearing, and even an optional locking rear differential. And then there’s the body which just screams tough, if you want an SUV with a persona it can actually back up. The 4.0-liter V6 engine also offers enough power with 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. of torque. Some people have complained that the current generation of the 4Runner feels too rugged on the road, which is okay if you need utility over comfort.